This year’s Father’s Day Weekend BBQ, held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Nashua Airport, was a huge success! Hundreds of guests enjoyed the chance to access the ramp, see vintage and unusual aircraft up close, and in many cases talk with the pilots and aircraft owners.
The event, a fundraiser for the non-profit Aviation Museum, was highlighted by a delicious BBQ buffet served in Hangar 91, which also hosted fun hands-on activities and a pop-up branch of the Aviation Museum’s popular store.
Many thanks to Infinity Aviation and the Nashua Airport Authority for hosting this annual event, and also to the Nashua-based aircraft owners and pilots who taxied over to join in the fun, as winds aloft proved too much for many of our fly-in guests this year.
We’ll do it again in 2027—see you then! Below: a selection of photos from volunteers Steve Heffelfinger and Norm Beaudette.
Archive: Coming on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Boire Field in Nashua, N.H.!
It’s a great way to get summer off the ground!
Tickets are now on sale for the Aviation Museum’s annual ‘Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ’ on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boire Field in Nashua, N.H.
Pilots are invited to fly in, with vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft especially welcome. Families are welcome to attend the event, which provides a rare chance to visit an airport ramp area and see aircraft up close.
The event takes place at Infinity Aviation Group’s Hangar 91. Visitors should park in the lot at the Nashua Airport’s control tower at 79 Perimeter Road, then follow the signs to access the ramp for the event.
A barbecue buffet will be served at noon in Hangar 91. The meal includes salad, pasta, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, desserts, and drinks.
Tickets to the Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ are $35 adults; $30 museum members; $15 ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and under, free. Tickets for ramp access only (no BBQ) are $10 per person, with kids 5 and under admitted free. The barbecue will be served inside and will take place rain or shine.
Tickets are available online at www.aviationmuseumofnh.org or by phone at (603) 669-4877. The event is sponsored in part by Infinity Aviation Group and the Nashua Airport Authority.
The public is invited to attend the barbecue, held each year on Father’s Day weekend to mark the arrival of summer, which officially arrives the next day: Sunday, June 21.
“Our ‘Fly-In’ barbecue is a great way for families to enjoy something together to celebrate Dad’s special day,” said Jeff Rapsis, executive director of the Aviation Museum of N.H.
Families can mingle with pilots and inspect the aircraft, giving young people a chance to see real airplanes up close.
Pilots flying in for the event should proceed to the area of Hangar 91 at Nashua Airport, where a ground crew will guide aircraft safely into parking spaces. Pilots are encouraged to buy barbecue tickets in advance in the event of a sell-out.
Attendees can also learn about the Aviation Museum’s student plane-building partnerships with the Manchester (N.H.) School of Technology, Lebanon (N.H.) High School, and Farmington (N.H.) high school.
All aircraft are subject to weather and other conditions that may prevent appearance on event day.
All proceeds of the fly-in barbecue benefit the non-profit Aviation Museum.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., based in the 1937 art deco passenger terminal at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, is dedicated to preserving the Granite State’s rich aviation past, and also inspiring students today to become the aerospace pioneers of tomorrow.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, has been named “Best Place to Take Kids” in southern New Hampshire six years in a row in the HippoPress Readers Poll. For more info or to buy tickets by phone, call (603) 669-4820.
Follow the Aviation Museum online on www.facebook.com/nhahs.
Below is a gallery of past fly-in barbecues staged by the Aviation Museum of N.H. Come join us this year and make some great Father’s Day weekend memories!
Archive: 2025 Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ
Museum’s More than 300 people enjoyed the Aviation Museum of N.H.’s Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ held on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
The event was generously sponsored by host Nashua Jet Aviation, which donated use of the hangar space, and Maine Instrument Flight. The BBQ was supplied by Celebrations Catering.
The N.H. Wing of the Commemorative Air Force was also on hand, as was the Civil Air Patrol, which provided invaluable volunteer help.
Many thanks to the Nashua Airport Authority for making this annual event possible.
And finally, thanks to the many Aviation Museum volunteers who set up tables and chairs, staffed our store, greeted guests, kept everyone safe on the ramp, and so much more!
Although the BBQ was sold out prior to the event, many families visited just to visit the ramp and see the airplanes. Below are a few photos from volunteers Steve Heffelfinger and Norm Beaudette.
The event raised several thousand dollars for the non-profit Aviation Museum’s youth education programs.
Didn’t make it, or just want to relive the experience? Here’s a video compiled by volunteer Kip Sheedy that conveys what it was like to be out on the ramp—and in the hangar chowing down!
Join us next time! Our next Father’s Day Fly-In BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Photos of the 2025 Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ:
BBQ archive: the prior years…
Below: Information about the Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ held Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Tickets now on sale for annual Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ at Nashua Airport on Saturday, June 14
It’s a great way to get summer off the ground!
The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire will hold its annual Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nashua’s Boire Field.
Pilots are invited to fly in, with vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft especially welcome.
The event takes place at the hangar of Nashua Jet Aviation, 83 Perimeter Road at Nashua Airport.
A barbecue buffet will be served at noon in the hangar. The meal includes salad, pasta, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, desserts, and drinks.
Tickets to the Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ are $30 adults; $25 museum members; $10 ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and under, free. BBQ tix sold out! Tickets for ramp access only (no BBQ) are $10 per person, with kids 5 and under free. The barbecue will be served inside and will take place rain or shine.
Tickets are available online at aviationmuseumofnh.org or by phone at (603) 669-4877.
The public is invited to attend the barbecue, held each year on Father’s Day weekend to mark the approach of summer, which officially arrives the following Friday.
“Our ‘Fly-In’ barbecue is a great way for families to enjoy something together to celebrate Dad’s special day,” said Jeff Rapsis, executive director of the Aviation Museum of N.H.
Families can mingle with pilots and inspect the aircraft, giving young people a rare chance to see real airplanes up close.
Pilots flying in for the event should proceed to Tower Ramp at Nashua Airport, where a ground crew will guide aircraft safely into parking spaces. Attendees are encouraged to buy barbecue tickets in advance in the event of a sell-out.
Attendees can also learn about the Aviation Museum’s student plane-building partnerships with the Manchester (N.H.) School of Technology, Lebanon (N.H.) High School, and Farmington (N.H.) high school.
Aircraft expected to be on display include a student-built RV-12iS recreational aircraft as well as a vintage 1943 Grumman Widgeon Amphibian.
All aircraft are subject to weather and other conditions that may prevent appearance on event day.
All proceeds of the fly-in barbecue benefit the non-profit Aviation Museum.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., based in the 1937 art deco passenger terminal at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, is dedicated to preserving the Granite State’s rich aviation past, and also inspiring students today to become the aerospace pioneers of tomorrow.
The Aviation Museum of N.H. was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Non-Profit Impact Award’ by the Center for N.H. Non-Profits.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, was named “Best Place to Take Kids” in southern New Hampshire five years in a row in the HippoPress Readers Poll. For more info, visit aviationmuseumofnh.org or call (603) 669-4820.
And now, check out these Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ photos from previous years…
Info and photos from earlier Fly-In BBQs…
The Aviation Museum’s annual Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Near perfect weather (if a bit windy) drew hundreds of attendees to the event, which raised more than $4,000 to support the non-profit Aviation Museum of N.H.
Attendees saw a range of interesting aircraft. On display were a Van’s RV-12iS aircraft built by students at the Manchester (N.H.) School of Technology; a pair of autonomous R22 helicopters from Rotor Technologies; a Cessna 182 Skylane flown in by the Civil Air Patrol; plus many more.
Those who joined in the BBQ enjoyed a delicious barbecue buffet served by Celebrations Catering.
Many thanks to sponsor U.S. Aircraft Finance, plus our friends at Nashua Jet Aviation and the Nashua Airport Authority. Thanks also to Rotor Technologies, the N.H. Civil Air Patrol, the Midfield Cafe, all the pilots and aircraft owners who participated, and to our tireless team of volunteers!
Mark your calendars for next year’s Father’s Day Fly-In BBQ, to be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Nashua Airport.
For now, enjoy a selection of images from this year’s show by volunteer Steve Heffelfinger.
For the record, here’s the press release for our 2024 Nashua Fly-In BBQ, held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Nashua Airport:
Aviation Museum to hold annual fly-in barbecue at Nashua Airport on Saturday, June 15
Public welcome to see student-built plane, experience aerobatic flying via virtual reality, and enjoy BBQ during Father’s Day weekend event
NASHUA, N.H.—It’s a great way to get summer off the ground!
The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire will hold its annual Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nashua’s Boire Field.
Pilots are invited to fly in, with vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft especially welcome.
The public is invited, with families especially welcome. The event takes place at the hangar of Nashua Jet Aviation, 83 Perimeter Road at Nashua Airport.
A barbecue buffet will be served at noon in the hangar. The meal includes salad, pasta, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, desserts, and drinks.
Tickets to the Father’s Day Weekend Fly-In BBQ are $30 adults; $25 museum members; $10 ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and under, free. Tickets for ramp access only (no BBQ) are $10 per person, with kids 5 and under free. The barbecue will be served inside and will take place rain or shine.
Tickets are available online (see above) or by phone at (603) 669-4877.
This year’s Fly-In BBQ is sponsored by U.S. Aircraft Finance, an industry leader in aircraft finance and insurance since 1998. U.S. Aircraft Finance will have airplanes from its fleet on display.
Also at the event will be ‘Showbird,’ an R22 helicopter from Rotor Technologies, Inc., a company developing autonomous “self-flying” helicopters. Also expected is a vintage 1942 Fairchild PT-23 trainer from the New England Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
The public is invited to attend the barbecue, held each year on Father’s Day weekend to mark the approach of summer, which officially arrives the following Thursday.
Below are photos from the Fly-In BBQ in previous years.
“Our ‘Fly-In’ barbecue is a great way for families to enjoy something together to celebrate Dad’s special day,” said Jeff Rapsis, executive director of the Aviation Museum of N.H.
Families can mingle with pilots and inspect the aircraft, giving young people a rare chance to see real airplanes up close.
Pilots flying in for the event should proceed to Tower Ramp at Nashua Airport, where a ground crew will guide aircraft safely into parking spaces. Pilots are encouraged to buy barbecue tickets in advance in the event of a sell-out.
The event will include the Aviation Museum’s “Rob Holland Experience,” a virtual reality exhibit that gives non-pilots a chance to fly with Nashua-based world aerobatics champion Rob Holland.
Using virtual reality goggles, participants can see what it’s like to perform breath-taking flight maneuvers that have brought Holland multiple aerobatics championships around the world.
“This popular exhibit has been in storage during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s now time to get it out again to give visitors a chance to fly along with Rob Holland, Nashua’s hometown aviation hero,” Rapsis said.
Attendees can also learn about the Aviation Museum’s student plane-building partnership with the Manchester (N.H.) School of Technology, where high school students have completed their first aircraft—a Van’s Aircraft RV-12iS.
The student-built plane will be on display during the barbecue.
Those attending may buy tickets in advance online (see above) or by calling the Aviation Museum at (603) 669-4877.
All proceeds of the fly-in barbecue benefit the non-profit Aviation Museum.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., based in the 1937 art deco passenger terminal at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, is dedicated to preserving the Granite State’s rich aviation past, and also inspiring students today to become the aerospace pioneers of tomorrow.
Named “Best Place to Take Kids” in southern New Hampshire four years in a row in the HippoPress Readers Poll, the Aviation Museum of N.H. was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Non-Profit Impact Award’ by the Center for N.H. Non-Profits.
The Aviation Museum of N.H. is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. For more information, visit aviationmuseumofnh.org or call (603) 669-4820.
More about U.S. Aircraft Finance: An industry leader in aircraft finance and insurance since 1998, U.S. Aircraft Finance stands out in the industry for competitive rates and exceptional customer service. U.S. Aircraft Finance provides a full-service experience to a nationwide client base, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free process from application to closing and servicing of aircraft loans or insurance. For more information or to request a quote, visit www.usaircraftfinance.com or call 888-654-8723.
More about Rotor Technologies: Rotor Technologies, Inc. is developing autonomy for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft – or in other words, “self-flying helicopters”. We are starting with hazardous missions where pilot fatalities are commonplace, and moving towards the transformation of our daily lives with short-distance autonomous passenger and cargo transport. Our technology uses computers and electronics to move the flight controls on a helicopter, so that an onboard pilot is no longer needed.